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Entry Level Purchasing Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Purchasing Associate

Elk River, MN ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Internship, entry-level experience, or 1+ year of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, administrative support, or data entry. * Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including data ...

Internship, entry-level experience, or 1+ year of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, administrative support, or data entry. * Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including data ...

Purchasing Associate

Elk River, MN ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Internship, entry-level experience, or 1+ year of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, administrative support, or data entry. * Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including data ...

Purchasing Associate

Elk River, MN ยท On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Internship, entry-level experience, or 1+ year of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, administrative support, or data entry. * Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including data ...

This position supports the Purchasing and Planning Department and serves as a backup to the Traffic ... High school diploma or equivalent * Entry level, however related experience is preferred * Working ...

This position supports the Purchasing and Planning Department and serves as a backup to the Traffic ... High school diploma or equivalent * Entry level, however related experience is preferred * Working ...

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Entry Level Purchasing information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$21

$29

How much do entry level purchasing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level purchasing in Minnesota is $21.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level purchasing job?

Entry level purchasing jobs are roles in which individuals assist with buying goods and services for a company, usually under the supervision of senior purchasing staff. Typical responsibilities include researching suppliers, preparing purchase orders, tracking inventory, and comparing prices to ensure cost-effective purchases. These positions often serve as a starting point for a career in procurement, and they require strong organizational, communication, and negotiation skills. Most entry level purchasing jobs require at least a high school diploma, though some employers may prefer candidates with a degree in business or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level purchasing professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Purchasing professional, you need a foundational understanding of supply chain management, negotiation, and basic financial acumen, often supported by a relevant degree such as business or supply chain. Familiarity with procurement software (like SAP or Oracle) and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate order processing, cost-effective purchasing decisions, and smooth collaboration with vendors and internal teams.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level purchasing professionals, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level purchasing professionals often face challenges such as learning complex procurement systems, managing multiple vendor relationships, and handling tight deadlines. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to proactively communicate with suppliers, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and stay organized by using task lists or procurement software. Building strong attention to detail and developing negotiation skills will also help new purchasing team members become more effective and confident in their role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Purchasing vs Purchasing Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level PurchasingPurchasing Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate degreeHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate or bachelor's degree
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, collaborative teams, entry-level tasksOffice environment, more responsibility in procurement processes
Employer & Industry UsageRetail, manufacturing, government, logisticsCorporate procurement, manufacturing, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Purchasing typically involves basic procurement tasks and requires minimal experience, focusing on supporting purchasing activities. Purchasing Coordinator roles often involve more responsibility, including managing purchase orders and supplier communication, and may require some prior experience or certifications. Both roles are common in various industries and serve as stepping stones toward more advanced procurement careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Purchasing jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Purchasing jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Entry Level Purchasing jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Entry Level Purchasing job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Purchasing job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,768 per year, or $21 per hour.

Purchasing Associate

Aston Carter

Elk River, MN โ€ข On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Purchasing Associate
Job Description
We are seeking a detail-oriented Purchasing Assistant to support a busy procurement team within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role focuses on administrative and transactional purchasing activities, helping buyers maintain accurate procurement data, vendor information, and reporting. The ideal candidate enjoys working with data, following processes, and supporting supply chain operations.
Responsibilities
  • Maintain and update pricing information within ERP systems.
  • Process date revisions and purchasing-related updates.
  • Run and distribute purchasing and supply chain reports.
  • Perform high-volume data entry with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Match invoices to purchase orders and receipts.
  • Research and resolve invoice discrepancies with internal teams and vendors.
  • Review and compare data sets to identify inconsistencies and errors.
  • Support purchasing and procurement teams with administrative tasks.
  • Assist with daily operational activities and reporting requirements.
  • Follow established procedures and processes without direct purchasing decision-making responsibilities.

Essential Skills
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Internship, entry-level experience, or 1+ year of experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain, administrative support, or data entry.
  • Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including data formatting, basic formulas and functions, and VLOOKUP and/or XLOOKUP.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Teams, and Excel.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Experience using Epicor ERP.
  • Manufacturing industry experience.
  • Previous invoicing, accounts payable, or purchase order experience.
  • High-volume data entry experience.

Work Environment
Join an established purchasing group consisting of buyers, buyers, and associate buyers in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment. The role is primarily based in a cubicle-office setting with onsite amenities including a fitness center and vending area.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Elk River, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
โ€ข Medical, dental & vision
โ€ข Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
โ€ข 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
โ€ข Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
โ€ข Short and long-term disability
โ€ข Health Spending Account (HSA)
โ€ข Transportation benefits
โ€ข Employee Assistance Program
โ€ข Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Elk River,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffingยฎ Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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About Aston Carter

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Aston Carter, we're dedicated to expanding career opportunities for the skilled professionals who power our business. Our success is driven by the talented, motivated people who join our team across a range of positions - from recruiting, sales and delivery to corporate roles. As part of our team, employees have the opportunity for long-term career success, where hard work is rewarded and the potential for growth is limitless. Established in 1997, Aston Carter is a leading staffing and consulting firm, providing high-caliber talent and premium services to more than 7,000 companies across North America. Spanning four continents and more than 200 offices, we extend our clients' capabilities by seeking solvers and delivering solutions to address today's workforce challenges. For organizations looking for innovative solutions shaped by critical-thinking professionals, visit AstonCarter.com. Aston Carter is a company within Allegis Group, a global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MA, US